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Nightingale’s Philosophy in Nursing Practice Theory Overview.

Nightingale’s philosophy primarily focuses on the environment, and the patient’s response to their environment. Nightingale’s theory is founded on the belief that a patient’s environment could be altered in order “to allow nature to act on the patient” (Alligood, 2002, p. 84). The nurse and health are also important components in Nightingale’s theory. Environment, person, health, and nursing—the foundation of Nightingale’s theoretical framework.

“I use the word nursing for want of a better word. It has been limited to signify little more than the administration of medicines and the application of poultices. It ought to ought to signify the proper use of fresh air, light, warmth, cleanliness, quiet, and the proper selection and administration of diet—all at the least expense of vital power to the patient.” Florence Nightingale ("Florence Nightingale", n.d.)

Nightingale’s Philosophy in Nursing Practice Conclusion. Nightingale’s visionary ideas defined and elevated nursing. Her revolutionary sanitation methods improved the hospital environment. such as now rule in the medical profession.)
. She focused on preventative measures and statistical analysis of real data to support her arguments for change. ("Biographies". unstable minds. n. she applied her theory to practice and reduced disease and mortality rates (a considerable accomplishment since the germ theory was only just beginning to emerge during this time). but conditions growing out of one another.” & "Diseases are not individuals arranged in classes like cats and dogs.
Nightingale was a nursing pioneer (the first nursing theorist) and a healthcare/ hospital reformer . uncultured. There are no specific diseases. over a century later.) “…it does no good to pray to God to save us from disease as we continue to drain our sewage into the lakes from which one drinks. there are specific disease conditions. and improved healthcare dramatically during her lifetime. The specific disease is the grand refuge of the weak.d.d. n. Even today.” Florence Nightingale ("Florence Nightingale". Nightingale’s Philosophy in Nursing Practice continues to influence nursing and healthcare.

Psychological components include stimulating the patient’s mind. n.)
. and providing variety.
Nightingale’s Philosophy in Nursing Practice
Person
The one who is receiving care—Nightingale believed in a holistic view of a dynamic and complex being. light. temperature. nutrition. comprised of the following components: •Physical •Intellectual •Emotional •Social •Spiritual
Health
Nightingale viewed health as natural. or warmth—the canons) (Nightingale. such as ventilation. medicine. stimulation.” Florence Nightingale ("Florence Nightingale". Physical components include areas such as ventilation.d. avoiding chattering hopes and advices (needless talk or false information).
Environment
Environment can be defined as anything that can be manipulated to place a patient in the best possible condition for nature to act—to promote health and healing. warmth. 1860).Nightingale’s Philosophy in Nursing Practice Theory Overview. but to be able to use well every power we have. Nightingale also believed in health prevention and promotion (inferred from the following quote) “Health is not only to be well. and activity. a ‘reparative process’ and disease as the interruption of nature’s process (explained as the lack of some need.

Nightingale’s beliefs were historically significant for nursing. 2) nurses should be formally educated to provide quality care (in contrast to the ‘lay-person nurse’ of that time era). pp. Nursing proper. her pioneering efforts in this area set the standard for others who followed. Midwifery nursing Nightingale viewed nursing as the ‘science of environmental management’ (with nurses altering the patient’s environment to promote health and healing). As the first nursing theorist. She also defined three different types of nursing: 1.Nightingale’s Philosophy in Nursing Practice
Nursing
Nightingale worked diligently to define nursing and delineate the boundaries of nursing care. she believed that: 1) nursing was a spiritual calling requiring ethics and a societal commitment to help those suffering.nursing the sick 2. 84-85)
.health promotion 3. (Alligood. General nursing.

families and caregivers should not attempt to cheer patients by giving false hopes. 6. 3. Light: Direct light contains healing properties for the patient and purifies the air of the room. Chattering hopes and advices: Visitors. water. Taking food: The amount of food taken and the amount of food needed should always be considered. 12. 5. and to know how to judge the importance of such changes. 10. and have adequate pillow support to the head and back to promote breathing. (Alligood.Nightingale’s Philosophy in Nursing Practice
Nightingale identified 13 canons to form the boundaries of nursing practice and expected nurses to be ‘clear thinkers’ and ‘independent’ in their judgments. and what shall be done when you are not there (providing continuity of care through your documentation). this also includes the air. What food: We shouldn’t analyze the types of food. 8. 8687)
. she viewed the patient in a holistic manner having a spiritual dimension as well. 13. Bed and bedding: The sick should be provided with clean bedding every 12 hours. Observation of the sick: Observing the patient for indications of condition change. 11. Health of houses: Maintaining a healing environment goes beyond just cleanliness. positioned in lightest area of the room or near windows. sanitation and light. 7. Petty Management: Knowing what to do when you are there. variety in surroundings are most beneficial to health. 1. however loud. Noise: Any loud noise that jars a patient awake and subjects them to a state of excitement is more harmful than continuous noises. 9. 4. Variety: Monotony and redundancy of surroundings are harmful to patients mental state of being. Ventilation and warmth: The circulating air should be as pure as the outside air and at an adequate temperature to keep the patient warmed. 2. but rather analyze the patient’s tolerance and system reactions to foods. Cleanliness of rooms and walls: Rooms should be kept clean and free of dust/debris associated with the ventilation necessary for health. pp. While Nightingale’s canons do not specifically address spirituality. Personal cleanliness: Allowing patients to be soiled and unclean hinders the natural process of health and contributes to the condition in which disease flourishes. beds should be narrow and safe in height.